YenKasa Africa Rural radio initiative: Listening to family farmers’ voices for change

In the heart of Africa’s agricultural landscape, where the rhythm of life is set by the tilling of fields and the planting of seeds, family farmers stand as guardians of tradition and stewards of sustainability. Amid this backdrop, the power of radio emerges as a transformative force, amplifying their voices and empowering communities through initiatives like the YenKasa Africa rural radio initiative.  

The YenKasa Africa rural radio initiative embodies the principles and methodologies of Communication for Development (ComDev) by fostering inclusive participation, empowering local voices and promoting sustainable development. ComDev emphasizes communityled communication processes that enable individuals and groups to articulate their needs, share knowledge and influence decisionmaking. Through its focus on rural radio, YenKasa Africa leverages an accessible and culturally resonant medium to bridge information gaps and enhance the capacity of family farmers. This initiative not only disseminates vital agricultural knowledge but also cultivates a sense of ownership among farmers, aligning with the ComDev goal of building resilient, selfreliant communities. By integrating local farmer groups and community radios, YenKasa Africa ensures that the communication strategies are rooted in local contexts and are responsive to the specific challenges faced by these communities, thereby supporting sustainable agrifood systems in line with the objectives of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF). 

Indeed, at the forefront of this movement is the UNDFF, spanning from 2018 to 2028, which champions family farmers as pivotal actors in achieving sustainable agrifood systems. Pillar 4 of the UNDFF Global Action Plan underscores the vital role of communication within farmer organizations – a role that YenKasa Africa embodies, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), local farmer groups and a network of community radios. 

In countries with low literacy rates, rural radios play a crucial role as a primary source of information and communication. These radios serve as lifelines, bridging gaps in education and providing vital information and updates on agriculture, health, weather forecasts and community events. They empower rural communities by broadcasting in local languages, ensuring access to critical information that enhances agricultural practices and promotes civic engagement. By amplifying the voices of farmers and community leaders, rural radios contribute significantly to building resilient communities and driving sustainable development across the continent. 

Looking back on its accomplishments, YenKasa Africa has engaged communities across eight African countries (the Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Togo, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia) through local radios broadcasting in languages such as Swahili, Twi, Malagasy and many more. These broadcasts have reached an estimated 7 million listeners through more than 20 local radios, featuring insightful interviews with farmers, community leaders and experts. These conversations have not only informed their listeners but also inspired action towards sustainable agricultural practices. 

 As YenKasa Africa looks to the years ahead, its mission is clear: to harness the storytelling power of radio to elevate awareness of the crucial role of family farming in sustainable agrifood systems and to empower farmer organizations to advocate effectively for the benefit of family farmers. YenKasa Africa aims to educate policymakers, institutions and the public about the progress of the UNDFF and the challenges faced by family farmers. By amplifying the voices of family farmers, this rural radio initiative seeks to foster deeper understanding and broader support for sustainable agriculture practices. 

Central to YenKasa’s strategy is its participatory approach, wherein local farmer organizations and community radios collaboratively shape programming that resonates authentically with local communities. Programmes are designed for weekly or biweekly broadcasts in indigenous languages, ensuring widespread accessibility and engagement. Reaching beyond mere information dissemination, each radio segment features personal narratives, expert insights and discussions on innovative farming practices. 

 As YenKasa embarks on its new radio communication plan, it remains steadfast in its mission to amplify the voices of family farmers and advocate for sustainable agrifood systems. By harnessing the unique reach and influence of radio, the initiative not only educates and informs but also catalyses community driven solutions to agricultural challenges.  

YenKasa exemplifies the profound impact of rural radio in empowering family farmers and advancing sustainable agrifood systems. By giving voice to those on the front lines of agriculture, rural radios not only broadcast information but also cultivate dialogue, understanding and collective action towards a more resilient and equitable agricultural future.